Recent Airpower Approaches to Counterinsurgency Operations

Abstract

The United States Air Force (USAF) has proven to be a valuable force multiplier over the last decade and a half of counterinsurgency (COIN) operations around the world. As the nation continues to address security concerns in far flung corners of the earth, the USAF must posture itself to meet the challenges associated with threats posed by peer competitors and also maintain its ability to support COIN operations for the foreseeable future. In a time of fiscal constraints, it will become increasingly difficult to provide a balanced force structure that maintains capabilities for low intensity conflict (LIC) as well as high-tech systems to meet national interests in conventional engagements.